Renovation Project: where to begin?

[spz]

I recently bought a '74 Int'l Rear Bath & intend to renovate. I wonder what I will find if I remove the vinyl wall material? I'm thinking about mildew/mold, degradation of insulation, water damage & structural cracks. Before I spend $ on cosmetcis & livability I feel I should check out the infrastructure. Questions: If I remove the interior skin is it easy to put it back up? What kind of insulation has anyone used to replace original? Has anyone rewired their Airstream? Has anyone removed the original plywood flooring? I realize many folks like original styling & retro feel, but I intend to update with more wood & less metal. I am concerend about the structure & feel that is the place to begin. Any help is greatly appreciated; Mr. Tool Time I am not. Thank you.

[firedog]

Hire a professional.

[Area63]

Originally Posted by spz

I recently bought a '74 Int'l Rear Bath & intend to renovate. I wonder what I will find if I remove the vinyl wall material?

The wall material is actually vinyl coated aluminum. You will find wiring, and itchy insulation. You might also find rodent habitats.

Originally Posted by spz

I'm thinking about mildew/mold, degradation of insulation, water damage & structural cracks.

More than likely you will not find any of that inside the wall. Those little issues are typically reserved for the frame under the floor. You might find insulation that has sagged low, leaving uninsulated space.

Originally Posted by spz

Before I spend $ on cosmetcis & livability I feel I should check out the infrastructure.

Hire a professional to inspect the infrastructure. Someone that really knows Airstream products.

Originally Posted by spz

Questions: If I remove the interior skin is it easy to put it back up?

Yes, with a helper and a riveter.

Originally Posted by spz

What kind of insulation has anyone used to replace original? Has anyone rewired their Airstream? Has anyone removed the original plywood flooring?

Rewired, yes. Re-insulated, yes. New flooring, yes.

I realize many folks like original styling & retro feel, but I intend to update with more wood & less metal. I am concerend about the structure & feel that is the place to begin. Any help is greatly appreciated; Mr. Tool Time I am not. Thank you.[/QUOTE]

It's your trailer, you should enjoy it as you envision it. My advice would be to consider the weight you might add by using more wood. You do not want to end up with a lead sled. Weight adds quickly while approaching 37..

[spz]

I've thought about that. There is a company in Wheatridge, Colorado that specializes in renovating Airstreams, but based upon cost I could almost buy new. I have to watch my outog on this project as I also have a 32' fixed keel sailboatgto refurb. thanks again

[Area63]

Originally Posted by spz

I've thought about that. There is a company in Wheatridge, Colorado that specializes in renovating Airstreams, but based upon cost I could almost buy new. I have to watch my outog on this project as I also have a 32' fixed keel sailboatgto refurb. thanks again

Most of the time, a quality renovation will cost more than new. But then it's also much better than new.

[cruiser54]

Area63
I am an architect. With the renovation or the new removal of an Airstream it is same with an old house. Finally the costs are same like a new AS. But: the residential quality, the history of the building, the charm, the uniqueness, the atmosphere etc. can be never reached with a new building.
(I hope, one understands my English, I must translate...)
Greetings from Switzerland
Werner

[Lumatic]

If you contract out the work you will spend lots and lots. If you do the work yourself you will only spend lots and when you are done will be Mr. Tool Time. Either way when you are done don't count on making money or even breaking even if you sell it.

[fotochop]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

If you contract out the work you will spend lots and lots. If you do the work yourself you will only spend lots and when you are done will be Mr. Tool Time. Either way when you are done don't count on making money or even breaking even if you sell it.

SO true, Marshall! my next rig will be an already renovated GT or Safari...if I decide I can actually part with Sapphire after pouring a fair amount of my life-energy into her!